Five of the Best Surf Beaches in the World

Best Surf Beaches in the World

Surfers are always in pursuit of the ‘perfect wave’ and we’ve picked out some of the best spots in the world to start that search. Surfing may be one of the hardest sports in the world to master but it has also never been easier to learn with surf schools and surfing experience days popping up at beaches around the world, which are sure to have you standing up and riding the waves within hours. It is not hard to see the attraction of the sport; the combination of excitement and beautiful beach surroundings makes for a perfect day. The most popular spots are often blessed with bustling nightlife and a relaxed atmosphere so even if you aren’t taking to the water yourself you can still admire some of the best in the world riding the waves while you kick back and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Here are five of the best beaches in the world perfect for beginners and experts alike:

Bondi Beach, Australia
One of the world’s most famous beaches in what is commonly considered the world’s best country for surfing. There is no shortage of hotspots to ride the waves up and down Australia’s vast coastlines and while Bondi may not be the most challenging, it produces consistent waves and an inviting swell perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Even if you don’t want to venture into the water yourself you can easily while away the hours chilling out on the beautiful beach or in seaview cafes admiring the hordes of expert surfers tackling the waves and showing off their skills.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Home to the famous Mexican Pipeline which attracts surfers from across the globe keen to challenge themselves on its waves of up to 12m high. The powerful water is not to be taken lightly, although calmer spots for beginners or swimmers do exist along the stretch of golden beach.

"Powerful water is not be taken lightly"

Waikiki, Hawaii
Traditionally considered the birthplace of surfing, it is awash with tourists but once you’re in the water you will quickly forget everything else and simply revel in the fine waves that made it such as hotspot in the first place.

Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa

Perfect breaks combined with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean have made Jeffrey’s Bay - or J-Bay as it's commonly known - a true surfing mecca. Blessed with the laid-back atmosphere so commonly associated with surfing, the beautiful beaches are perfect for kicking back with a beer and a BBQ after a day of riding the waves. Just be sure to listen out for the shark warnings as Great Whites are known to inhabit the waters.

Kuta Beach, Bali
The idyllic beaches of Bali with their white sands, palm trees and crystal clear waters have made it a true tropical paradise holiday destination. But adrenalin junkies flock there for the  fantastic swells and huge waves as much as the laid-back lifestyle of the Indonesian island, with surfing conditions to suit all abilities.

This article has been created by Activity Superstore, the UK's leading Gift Experience Days supplier.

Top Ten Australian Camping Destinations

Camping in Australia can offer beautiful scenery along with your choice of relaxation or adventure; the options are virtually unlimited. From camping along the coast to roughing it in the outback, there are camping destinations for every type of outdoor lover in Australia . Here is our list of the top ten camping destinations in the country.

1. Perth Hills Campsite

If you love hiking, Perth Hills is for you! From bushwalking trails to guided walks through the park, hiking is the most sought after activity in the park. When you get tired of fishing, head to the water and try your hand at fishing or jump in and take a swim.

2. Conto Campground

Pack your bags and head to Conto for a weekend getaway. Explore the lighthouses and caves for truly unique sights. Hiking, fishing and swimming are great activities to participate in during your weekend in the park.

3. Kurrajong Campsite

The Bungle Bungle Range is a favorite site among campers. Over 350 million years old, the towers of the range provide campers with gorges to explore and plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to pack a pair of hiking shoes!

4. Charlie Moreland Camping

If wildlife is your thing, don’t skip Charlie Moreland! Whether you choose to tour the park by foot, mountain bike, car or horseback, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to see the various birds and animals that call the area home.

5. Burke & Wills Dig Tree Camping Area
Designed around the Dig Tree, the Burke & Willis camping area is located next to Cooper Creek and is pet friendly; a plus for many camp-goers! Hike, fish and explore the area, seeing sights seen by Burke & Willis themselves.

6. Mauka Campground

Covering nearly 70kms of ground, the conservation area is home to an old gold mining town. From beaches to waterfalls, surfing to fishing, the campground is a nature lover’s dream. Be sure to bring along a camera, the photo opportunities are vast!

7. Richardson Beach (Freycinet main) Camping Area
Rock climbers will find Richardson Beach a paradise. With granite boulders, cliffs and walls, rock climbers of every skill level will find a path suitable for themselves and all members of their party. There are hiking and walking opportunities that will keep you busy for days.

8. Wilpena Pound Campground

Aboriginal rock art can be found in abundance at Wilpena Pound. The explorer in you will be delighted with the number of gorges, paths and waterholes available for traversing. Swimming, fishing and hiking make this a perfect campground no matter if you’re bringing along a campervan rental or a tent.

9. Hacks Peninsula Camping Area
There are over 150 species of bird that are native to Hacks Peninsula. Bring along your binochulars and bird guide so you don’t miss a single one! Perch yourself on one of the many boardwalks or take a walk through the wetlands, the choice is yours. Don’t forget your camera; you may see birds you’ll not be able to see in any other part of the country.

10. Snowy River Camping Area
If winter camping is what you desire, look no further than Snowy River . Home to Australia’s tallest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, outdoor enthusiasts find Snowy River the perfect winter getaway. From skiing to snowboarding, the area boasts all manner of winter sporting opportunities.

Melbourne Accommodation

Any one visiting Australia will of course want to visit Melbourne, the famous center for the arts, commerce and education. This city has been ranked as the world’s most livable city in the World’s Most Livable Cities ratings by the Economist Group. Accommodation in Melbourne comes in all types and to suit every budget. Punthill Hotels and Apartments in Melbourne brings you some of the classiest options available on www.punthill.com.au

Bed and Breakfast

The Bed and Breakfast experience in Melbourne combines personal attention and privacy in a quality blend which will leave you wanting for more. The best of Melbourne is combined in the bed and breakfast kind of accommodation enabling you to enjoy delectable breakfasts and stunning surrounds like laid-back bayside areas or the cosmopolitan inner suburbs. These bed and breakfast accommodations are found in some of the city’s most interesting locations where you will be enthralled by the architecture as well as the history of the place you stay in.

Apartments

With Melbourne accommodation you can enjoy a privileged place in the midst of classic surroundings. These apartments are perfect for art lovers, food connoisseurs and shoppers of the most compulsive order. The apartments consist of one, two and three bedrooms and you can choose according to your need. The services in these apartments are 4-star rated and are fully furnished and contains all modern facilities. Some of these apartments are just a stone’s throw away from the Etihad Stadium, the Crown Casino, the Melbourne Aquarium and the Docklands and Harbor Town shopping center. For business related stays, there is efficient business accommodation available near Melbourne. These apartments can be rented for reduced rates for weekly and monthly stays.

Apartments in Burwood are located 14 km to the South East of Melbourne’s CBD. You have access to lovely parks and creeks at the end of short walks. On a short day trip you can visit the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley. A visit to “the fashion capital” Chadstone will have even the most sober of shoppers shop compulsively. This area is especially suitable for university students as the apartments are located very close to Deakin University.

In Victoria, you can find cheap priced hotel style accommodation in serviced apartments. With 4-star facilities and easy access to all important points in the city, these modern apartments are suitable for long or short term stays in Victoria.

The apartment complex is surrounded by a central courtyard which has a breathtakingly beautiful landscaped garden. The facilities of an in-house fitness room and conference facilities are also available here.

There are beautifully furnished apartments in the Melbourne Inner Suburbs of South Yarra Grand, South Yarra and Stanton. Accommodation is also available at city locations like Flinders Lane, Little Bourke and Manhattan.

Having Fun in Australia

Planning Your Next Vacation? Choose Australia!

Most people choose to take a vacation at least once a year. Many people have trouble deciding where they should go on vacation. Vacations are meant to be fun and exciting, but going to the same places every year can become dull and boring. That is why people should consider going on vacation in Australia because there are a plethora of fun activities to do. Once a person has went on vacation in Australia once, he or she will want to come back for vacation several more times.

What are some fun things to do in Southern Australia?

Visit the Adelaide Zoo

Australia is a very big continent, so a person might be wondering what region he or she should visit first. Southern Australia is a good place to start because there are a ton of attractions there. People who love animals will enjoy the Adelaide Zoo. The Adelaide Zoo features 1400 species of some of the most beautiful and exotic animals in the world.

One of the things that many people look forward to when they go on vacation is live theatre. The Adelaide Theatre Company has been around for 90 years, which makes it one of the oldest surviving theatres in Australia. There is always plays and other fun events going on in this theatre.

Many people go on vacation to escape the stresses of everyday life. Those who choose to go on vacation in Southern Australia will have the opportunity to escape at the Botanical Gardens of Adelaide. This place features some of the most beautiful trees and plants in the world.

Those who like to see ancient displays and exhibits will be thrilled to know that there are two museums located in Southern Australia. The Migration Museum shows exhibits that shaped the multi-cultural society in South Australia. The South Australia Museum is located in Adelaide and features exhibits and displays.

Golf is a big part of many people's life and Southern Australia is a good place to visit to play golf. The Tea Tree Gully Golf club is located in Adelaide. It features a 18-hole course and is also a popular place to host wedding receptions and other social events. There is also an international festival called Tasting Australia that goes on once every two years in Adelaide. This festival features some of the best wine, beverages and food in the world. There is also places for people who are interested in pokies.

How to Save Money on Your Trip to Australia:

Everyone knows that going on vacation can be quite expensive and going on vacation out of the country can be even more expensive. Below are a few tips that can help people save money on their vacation to Australia

*Book your trip in advance- People will be surprised at how much money they can save by booking their vacation months in advance. Many websites offer 30, 40 and even 50 percent discounts.

*Schedule your vacation during the Spring or the Fall- Booking during the off-season will help people save a ton of money.

Hope Island Stays

If you are off to the Gold Coast, congratulations! This is the perfect getaway for anyone! Hope Island is full of great attractions, beaches, surfing and restaurants. In order to get the most out of your trip, it is imperative to choose the perfect accommodations for your adventure. Luckily, there are several ways to stay on Hope Island.

Bed and Breakfasts:

Without a doubt, the B&B is the cozy way to stay on vacation. If you prefer a charming getaway with the personal touch, check out some of the Island's bed and breakfasts. One that has a touch of a resort feel is A Lighthouse on Hammersley. It's spacious, themed rooms are kept by a couple who ensure you a great stay. There are several high end amenities such as brilliant fireplaces, theater rooms, and private Adirondack chairs to watch the sunset with your loved ones. A Lighthouse on Hammersley has not missed a single detail and with reasonable prices, is a great choice for a relaxing getaway.

Apartments:

If staying on the Gold Coast for a longer trip, try renting an apartment. The Azzura resort boasts large fully furnished apartments along with great poolside features, golf and tennis courts. The beaches are right there ready to explore. This is a great accommodation for a large family or group looking to stay at Hope Island for an extended stay.

Hotels:

For a more luxurious vacation, there are several exclusive hotels to accommodate your private vacation. Club Watermark, a five star hotel, is certainly on the high end of most budgets, but is much more exclusive. Guests must be over 21 and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The large, spacious rooms and suites have great amenities, and the location of the hotel, right in Surfer's Paradise, is ideal for beach lovers. For an even grander experience, book at Donatella Versace's new luxurious resort, The Palazzo Versace. The rooms are breathtaking and are designed to accommodate different needs. There is even a "What's Kickin'" room for expectant parents on their Babymoon. Another suite, the Lagoon Suite even has a private lagoon to enjoy. This hotel is certainly a slice of Australia paradise.

All Inclusive:

While Australian all-inclusive resorts usually imply that you will get a kitchen to cook in, there are some resorts on the Gold Coast that will include activities, drinks, and food with your accommodations. Hope island accommodation is ideal for the person who wants to have minimal worries and focus on exploration and relaxation. Lizard Island, located nearer to Queensland does offer a restaurant; Osprey's offers a rotating menu for variety. Activities such as snorkeling and surfing are included and available. There a large villas for more private excursions.

Hostels:

On the other end of the luxury spectrum is the economic hostel. Since Hope Island and the Gold Coast cater to backpackers and surfers, there is a plethora of hostels for the low budget traveller. Islander Backpacker Resort is a little more expensive than a typical resort, but allows some luxuries such as a pool, bar and suite bathrooms. The bare minimum can be found at hostels like Backpackers in Paradise, located near the bus station for easy mobility.

No matter how you stay, it will be worth it to experience this one-of-a-kind island!

Enjoying the Two Australias

If you haven’t visited Australia before, there may be surprises. You can see things that don’t exist anywhere else in the world: pre-historic forests, unique animals, and the world’s oldest living culture. Over a dozen World Heritage Sites: “have cultural or natural value to the common heritage of humanity.” You will also find a modern world. It has glamour, high technology, a fast-paced lifestyle, and indulgent recreation. Australia can give you the best of both worlds.

The Great Barrier Reef:

The world’s largest coral reef system includes over 2,900 individual reefs. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, stretching more than 1600 miles along the Queensland coast. You can sail, ride glass bottom boats, snorkel or scuba dive to experience unforgettable multi-colored coral landscapes and marine life.

Greater Blue Mountains Area:

New South Wales’ largest wilderness area has deep canyons and cliffs. The Wollemi National Park, boasts two pre-historic coniferous pine forests, left over from the Continent of Gondwanaland. Wollemi pines have survived more than 110 million years. Come here and bushwalk back in time.

The bush and Aboriginal culture:

The archeology inclined, can visit Riversleigh, Queensland's most famous fossil site. Kakadu National Park holds a wealth of Aboriginal cultural artifacts. In Daintree, Rainforest, you’ll learn Aboriginal culture from Wujal Wujal people, in a 135 million year old rain forest.

Native birds and animals:

Coastal Islands of Phillip, Kangaroo and Ningaloo Reef, are ecological havens. Pelicans, sea lions, koalas, wallabies, bandicoots platypus, abundant bird life and fur seals find homes there. Daily, at dusk, thousands of little penguins waddle home from foraging for food. Brave people come to the reef, to swim with huge Whale Sharks. In Tasmania, you can visit Bonorong Wildlife Center to espy Kangaroos, Koala, Tasmania Devils and Wombats in their habitats.

Modern Australia:

"When in Rome do as the Romans" couldn't be more relevant than joining the fun-loving Australians in their favorite pastimes. Australia is a jet set playground that features some of the most stunning modern architecture you can find. Sydney Opera House, a Pritzker Prize, architectural masterpiece, is a must for the sophisticated visitor. It is a multi-venue performing arts center, with top artists and their own productions. The center sits on the bay near the renowned Royal Botanic Gardens. Try to see both.

Glamorous Casinos are in every major city:

There is world class gaming with Australian 2005 World Series of Poker champion Joe Hachem, the Australian poker championship and the Aussie millions. For other people, casinos have poker machines, locals call “Pokies.“ Playing pokies has become such a local pastime that pokies are in clubs and most pubs all over Australia. You can stop by and join the Aussies playing Pokies.

Australia’s historic prisons:

History is important to the country. Eleven prisons have been restored for guided tours: One in Tasmania even has an active theater re-enacting a prisoner’s story. Fremantle prison has the best remaining example of convict transportation.

Adelaide Central Market:

Not just a flea market, Adelaide is the largest outdoor produce market in the Southern Hemisphere. Even if you just enjoy local fruit while looking for souvenirs, it’s worth a stop.

Beaches and more:

Australia is a beach and surfer’s paradise. Quicksilver Pro-Surfer Championships are every February. Jet Ski’s and windsurfing abound. Aquatic recreation is on rivers, and beaches. You can hot air balloon, over national attractions in Canberra or your favorite beach. The only thing sure about visiting Australia, is that with so much to see and enjoy, you must come back again.

Adventure Holiday In Australia

Australia is the perfect destination for an adventure holiday. Even though there are world-class cities in Australia, the soul of the country is largely untamed. There is the Outback with its rare wild plants and animals, the Great Barrier Reef with thousands of species of sea creatures living as they have done for many millennia, the desert with its unusual rock formations and extreme temperature and the oldest rainforest on the planet. If you want to taste the adventure this land has to offer you are going to need travel insurance, a sense of wonder, good traveling boots, a bathing suit and an Australian guide.

To go into the Outback is to travel back in time to an era when man faced the elements and the animals without the benefit of modern comforts. The Outback is rich with minerals, precious metals, diamonds, oil and natural gas. But the surrounding country is rugged and wild and receives very little rain. Only the Aborigines and a few hardy Aussies live in the region year round. The Never Never is the most remote parts of the Outback. The Outback has no real boundaries. It is made up of rocky hills, sand dunes, flood plains and red sand covered with wild flowers. It generally comprises north and northwest Australia. Dingoes, rodents, brats, seals, koala, kangaroo wombat, wallabies, echidna and platypus dwell there along with 800 species of birds, 350 found nowhere else. The Outback has many venomous snakes so be careful.

Life in The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is another place in Australia rife with adventure. This is when you are going to need your bathing suit. Located in the Coral Sea off Australia's north coast, the Great Barrier Reef covers 133,000 square miles. There are 2,900 separate reefs and 900 islands. The waters around and within the Great Barrier Reef teem with life. There are hundreds of species of sharks, whales, seals and dolphins in the waters around the reef. It is also home to sting rays, saltwater crocodiles, 17 species of sea snake and 1,500 fish species. It truly is an amazing place.

Deserts cover much of central and northwest Australia. In fact there are about 530,000 square miles of desert covering almost 40% of the continent. There are actually 10 deserts in Australia scattered throughout the Outback. It's dry, it’s hot and gas stations are hundreds of miles apart. Rainfall is rare. The land is unforgiving. Adventurous vacationers are advised to drive carefully and stay on the main roads. Scorpions, spiders, snakes and other desert life-forms lurk and the careless must pray their Australia travel insurance covers flying doctors and venom antidote.

Australia - Near the Oodnadatta Track

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Australian rainforest. The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia also known as the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserve are the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Located near the border of New South Wales-Queensland border, it covers 3,700 kilometers and is home to more than 200 rare species of plants and animals. Eighty percent of the flowers here are found nowhere else in the world. Scientist believe the vegetation is much like it was 150 million years ago. Lace up your boots, look sharp and enjoy yourself.

With a little luck and a good Australian guide you can complete your Australian adventure holiday weary, but wiser.

Places you shouldn’t miss when you go for a world tour

Have you ever dreamt of visiting the most famous places in the world? Most often when people think about a world tour, they get confused about the places to visit as there is a plethora of options that they have to choose from. Every one of us desires to visit the most famous places in the world but very few of us have that exact travel list that provides you with the list of the places that one shouldn’t miss. Well, if you too are confused, here’s help for you. Have a look at the places you must visit if you’ve planned to go for a world tour.

Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it should be in the list of places that you should visit when you’re going for a world tour. Carved by the River Colorado, Grand Canyon is the steep-sided gorge in the state of Arizona of United States. It has been researched that 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon every year. Summer and mid-Spring would be the best season to visit the Grand Canyon but most of the local residents think that winter is the great time to visit.

The South Island: The South Island, located at New Zealand is featured by special open landscapes. This particular island is well-known for golden sand beaches, large beach forests and broad plains. Most people can enjoy the travel to South Island. There are 10 national parks in South Island and all these parks include glaciers, lakes, coastline and native forests.

Cape Town: Situated at the tip of the African continent, Cape Town is also a place that you must not miss if you are going on a world tour. The unique range of multi-cultural lifestyle is the specialty of Cape Town and the holiday-makers enjoy the hot weather, sunny beaches and also the beautiful scenery. Make sure you have a rough idea of the place before you go to visit.

Great Barrier Reef: World’s largest coral reef ecosystem is the Great Barrier Reef. This is one of the best places to visit in Australia. You will be able to see it from the outer space and this is the single place with the highest number of living organisms. There are 10,000 species that consists of 1500 types of fish and 200 kinds of birds.

Therefore, if you’re planning to go for a world tour, do include the above mentioned spots in your list. Make your trip memorable by carrying everything that you need to make your travel successful.

Guest Post by Rebecca.